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Sheriff’s investigator resigns after shooting investigation

By The Commercial Staff

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigator allegedly involved in a shooting July 5 at a nightclub has resigned.

Randy Jackson resigned after an internal investigation was launched in response to the incident, said JCSO spokesman Maj. Lafayette Woods Jr. Jackson has been on paid administrative leave since the shooting.

“His resignation was accepted as submitted,” Woods said in the press release.

The internal investigation will determine if Jackson violated any department policies.

In addition to the internal investigation, Woods has said previously that a separate criminal investigation has been conducted and the case file sent to the prosecuting attorney’s office, which will review it and determine if the evidence in the file warrants the filing of any criminal charges against Jackson.

Jackson was an eight-year veteran of the sheriff’s office who was assigned to the Tri-County Drug Task Force. The incident occurred at Swann’s Bar and Grill at 3003 W. Pullen St. at about 3:30 a.m.

Dedric Jones, 36, was shot once in the chest outside the business and was taken to Jefferson Regional Medical Center where he underwent surgery. At last report on Wednesday, he was in the intensive care unit in stable condition.

According to Pine Bluff Police Department reports on the incident, police interviewed a security guard at the bar who said two men exchanged words inside the club and he made them both leave. He saw one of the men get in a vehicle and leave. The security officer returned inside the club and heard a gunshot. He went back outside and saw Jones on the ground.

The security guard was able to identify Jackson by his first name and said he was wearing a badge. Jones did not know the shooter by name but provided a physical description.